s50 swap driveshaft issues help me!

[xvxax]

I just bolted up my s50 last night to find out that the driveshaft is way off. The bolt patterns on the transmission side of the shaft don't match up. The bolt holes are spaced 3.5" apart on the ZF transmission, while the driveshaft has a 3" spaced bolt pattern. Since I have a 4 bolt input flange on my differential, I assume I need to use an automatic driveshaft. Will any m3 driveshaft work, or do I need a 1995 automatic driveshaft? Are there different lengths every year, should I measure the length and work from there? Do all m3 driveshafts have the 3.5" bolt pattern I need? Please help, I searched and no one has ever really discussed this issue, or so it seems. Thanks.

Peter
Edit: Length is correct, bolt pattern is not

[Serious]

kinda need to know what tranny, driveshaft, diff config your trying to get to work righht now then we can help.

[xvxax]

Transmission: ZF210 I believe, it's the 95 M3 transmission. Driveshaft I'm currently using is a 1993 325is driveshaft. Differential I'm using is a 3.15 LSD off some other car, not sure but it has a 4 bolt input flange which i'd like to keep using. The spacing of the bolts at the flex disk is off by a 1/2".

[95beema]

What car?

[xvxax]

1993 325is is the car, sorry forgot to mention that. The driveshaft i'm currently using that does not fit is the stock driveshaft.

[dimension318]

You need a 96-99 driveshaft from a 5-speed M3. Do not get the auto, they are shorter. Some 95's work as well, just make sure you get one with a 4-bolt rear diff plate, some came with 6-bolt, some with 4.

[Serious]

yep sounds like you need a 96+ driveshaft, youll need a new guibo (flex disc) if you dont have one for the tranny, or new driveshaft.

have you installed your shift linkage yet, ive heard that there is clearance issues when using the stock 325 shift linkage.

when i did my swap i already had a 3.23 diff with a 4 bolt flange, so i got a 99 m3 tranny, so i just bought a 99 m3 driveshaft from another guy. all new m3 shift linkage. all bolted up perfectly.

[xvxax]

I have m3 shift linkage. Like I said, the transmission is from the s50 motor, it's a ZF unit, not a Getrag. I found that the length is correct, it's just the flange on the front is a different pattern. I'm going to shop around tomorrow and see if a local shop will customize my current driveshaft. If not, then I'll go ahead and start looking.
Peter

[jamesclay]

Or you could bolt up the Getrag box with no issues until you find something, using all the original parts from the car. Will fit over the M3 flywheel and clutch.

[xvxax]

I don't want to use the getrag, my friend already suggested that option. Don't mean any offense, but I'd rather just do everything once and not have to worry about swapping it back. Either way, if you think getting a custom shaft made will be weak or shady say so. I'll just go find a 96+ driveshaft that works. Doubt anyone in the area will be willing to customize a shaft for me.
Peter

[jamesclay]

Gotcha. Done correctly, changing length is fine. Just make sure they balance it afterward. You are going to have to pay for something to cut the flange off of where it meets the trans, so you may be better off finding a used shaft.

[vjlax18]

How much shorter is the auto drive shaft?

[xvxax]

Update: purchased a 97 m3 driveshaft from Bavarian Auto Recycling, a forum sponsor. I'll let you know if it fits, hopefully someone searching later will be able to use this thread.

[///Thirtytwo]

I just called up Zionsville Autosport and they knew what I was doing so the sent me a driveshaft with center support bearing for 3XX.00
easy and fast

[Mproved325]

I have a 1995 M3 driveshaft with 6 bolt pattern for sale if you need one. Let me know.

[xvxax]

I just called up Zionsville Autosport and they knew what I was doing so the sent me a driveshaft with center support bearing for 3XX.00
easy and fast

That's what I did :) and that's about the price I paid, $325 shipped. I don't need a 6 bolt rear, that's what I was trying to avioid. Thanks though.